HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0476.004 2004-2006 Murashige, Laura
From: Kathleen. Stearns. Friday.82 @alum. dartmouth. org
Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 10:33 PM
To: counciltestimony@co.hawaii.hi.us
Cc: Holschuh, Fred; Arakaki, James; Higa, Stacy; Safarik, Gary; Jacobson, Bob; Isbell, Virginia;
Pilago, K. Angel; Hoffmann, Pete; cohmayor@co.hawaii.hi.us
Subject: Opposition to Res. 186-05 (on Nov. 9 agenda)
Kathleen S. Friday, CF
James B. Friday, PhD -
1416 Kilikina St.
Hilo HI 96720
Nov. 8, 2005
Council Members
Hawaii County Council
25 Aupuni Street
Suite 209
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
Dear Council members,
We oppose Resolution #186-05 (agenda, Nov. 9 council meeting), which would
dispose of county lands near Kilikina Street.
These lands were acquired for the purpose of protecting the watershed of Hilo.
While the lands are not a source of drinking water, they are still part of the
watershed: the parcel under consideration is immediately mauka of a gulch that
feeds into the Wailuku river. Grading, subsequent development and paving of
the parcel would increase sedimentation and storm runoff into the Wailuku and
Hilo Bay. At a time when the community is attempting to improve water quality
in Hilo Bay and to acquire public lands, why take a step backwards and sell
this parcel?
The agenda says the "property... requires ongoing maintenance." What could that
be? The parcel is covered with waiawi shrubs, autograph trees, palms, and
albizia trees. No work has been done on the land for decades. The long
perimeters of the parcel are adjacent to other undeveloped state and private
lands.
The land provides habitat for'io or Hawaiian hawks which are frequently
observed in the neighborhood. Clearing the land for development may thus
affect the habitat of an endangered species. Neighbors have also reported
seeing the endangered Hawaiian bat in the nearby forest.
As Kilikina Street residents, we enjoy having nearby forest and a quiet
street. Why is this sale being suddenly pushed through? We oppose it
Sincerely,
Kathleen S. Friday, Certified Forester, Society of American Foresters
James B. Friday, PhD Comm, No. y7~,
Cc: Mayor Harry Kim Ref. 70; y~~r
Ref. aatA
i
This mail was sent through the Beta version of the Vox Alumni Network's Vox Blitz. Blitr SAWEB@dartmouth.edu if you
have any questions.
2